At a Glance

Experience the beauty of three historic capitals of Classical, Medieval and Renaissance acclaim as local experts lead you on a journey through some of Italy’s greatest cities. Follow the path of legendary artists, scientists and philosophers from the classical remnants of Rome to the preserved treasures of Florence and Venice.

Activity Level

Let's Go!

Extensive walking in traffic-free urban centers which prevent tourist coaches from parking or loading passengers at sites. The distances traversed on foot can reach 4 mi/day—always interspersed with rest time, typically at a meal. Standing for extended periods of time during site visits. Special attention needs to be paid to the uneven aspect of cobblestone streets. Elevator use in some historic buildings is restricted. Not all staircases have banisters. Venice is unique as a city with no vehicles besides public or private boats that run along the Grand Canal. Extensive walking in Venice includes crossing bridges that span minor canals. As with many things, the effort expended has its aesthetic reward.

Best of all, you'll ...

Trace Roman history through the ages as you visit the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Borghese Museum and the Vatican Museum.

Journey to Florence and Venice via a high speed EuroStar train, reaching speeds of over 120 mph.

View the "David" — a Renaissance period masterpiece in Florence — and ride in a gondola through the canals of Venice.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Elaine Ruffolo

Elaine Ruffolo has been teaching art history in Florence since 1989 and is a popular instructor for students and adults alike. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin and earned a master’s in art history from Syracuse University. Elaine directs the field study programs for Syracuse University in Florence and lectures for various adult programs. She is the resident director of the Smithsonian Institute programs in Italy and is currently working on a travel book of Florence and Tuscany.

Inebriated with the sounds of Italian, lovesick for its phrases and enamored of its earthy idioms, Hales, "a sensible woman of sturdy Polish stock," dives into the Italian of the piazza, literature, movies and streets in this charming memoir.

EasyGuides are full of practical, easy-to-absorb information and emphasize authentic experiences. This lightweight guide highlights important attractions with expert advice on accommodations and meals.

A vivid tour of the city and its riches by the fine biographer of Edith Wharton and Henry James. Lewis has written what he calls "a partial biography of Florence," beautifully interweaving the personal and the historical.

Another gem in the Eyewitness series, this superb guide is handsome, convenient and up-to-date. Featuring color photography, dozens of excellent local maps and a region-by-region synopsis of the country's attractions.

A well-written, entertaining history of the Medicis in Renaissance Florence. Great to read before going to Florence, where the influence of the Medicis and the artists they supported is still very much in evidence.

An elegant history of Venice after the loss of its statehood in 1789 at the hands of Napoleon. Bosworth introduces Venice's political unrests since that time, how Venice has modernized and the mal-effects of Global Climate Change and "Disneylandification."

Morris displays her talent for research, telling anecdote and well-wrought prose in this spirited portrait of a beloved city, its history and inhabitants. If you are going to read one book on Venice, we recommend this favorite.

In this informative and charming memoir, Adam Van Doren, grandson of the Pulitzer-prize-winning poet Mark Van Doren, provides a personal and detailed account of his love affair with Venice. With 21 full-color drawings by the author, this is a must-have for anyone interested in Venice's rich aesthetic heritage.

Italians themselves love this guide to the Italian character, which addresses their never-ending passion for beauty, disorder and high emotion. The book opens with a snapshot of Malpensa Airport, then moves on to Tuscany, Rome, Naples and Sardinia.

King's colorful chronicle of the world's most famous ceiling paints a maniacal pope, a budding artist and a "who's who" of other 16th-century Italians (Raphael, Machiavelli, Leonardo da Vinci). Presented with flair and backed by a wealth of research.

Morning: The group leader will be in the lobby of the hotel to greet arriving travelers. Leave your luggage with the desk clerk and join the group leader for a walk in the neighborhood late morning to identify ATMs, pharmacies, stores, restaurants, etc. Guest check in is available from 2:00 p.m.

Lunch: We will gather in the lobby where the group leader will lead the way to the hotel restaurant for lunch. Plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Except breakfast, meals will be plated (each dish served to guests by a wait staff) from a set menu unless otherwise specified. Water is included with all meals and other beverages including wine, tea and coffee will be available for purchase unless otherwise specified. Unless indicated differently, transportation will primarily be provided by motor coach. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, attending performances or other events, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Before dinner, the group leader will greet everyone and lead introductions with a Welcome Cocktail (or fruit juice).

Dinner: At the hotel's rooftop restaurant. Fixed menu, plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY

3

Welcome to Rome, Forum, Colosseum

Rome

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Hotel Diana

Activity note: You will be on your feet most of the morning. Walk along uneven paths and original pavement of cobblestone. Good walking shoes are a must for the visit to the Colosseum, especially for the steep and uneven steps to reach the upper level. Elevator near the entrance of the Colosseum. If, at the conclusion of the visit, you want to ride the elevator down the ground level, you will have to double the amount of walking to meet the rest of the group at the exit.

Breakfast: This day and for the next four mornings, the breakfast buffet at the hotel offers juice and water, an egg dish, sliced cold cuts, assortment of cheeses, cereal, muesli, yogurt, fresh fruit, breads and pastries, jams, honey and butter, and a selection of hot and cold beverages.

Morning: In the hotel meeting room, begin to unravel the multiple layers of Roman history through the sharp insight of a professor who will set the stage for your explorations. After a short break, board the coach for the brief ride to the closest drop off point in the pedestrian only area of the Colosseum/Forum. A local expert leads the visit of the Colosseum, built in the year 80 CE and unveils some interesting anecdotes of entertainment so many centuries ago.

Lunch: At a restaurant in the Piazza del Colosseo.

Afternoon: Guided visit continues to Via dei Fori Imperiali. With the temples and columns as a backdrop, the local expert's description will bring to life the Forum as the center of the commercial, civic and religious activity of Rome. Coach back to the hotel. Some free time before dinner.

Dinner: At a characteristic trattoria near the hotel that features regional cooking. Fixed menu, plated table service. Water and a glass of wine are included.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

4

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica

Rome

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Hotel Diana

Activity note: Coach drop off point is a few blocks from and an uphill walk to the museum entrance. Reserved entrance time at Vatican Museums diminishes the wait in line. The visit requires negotiating multiple flights of steps and walking the long corridor to the Sistine Chapel (distance is about 1/2 mile). Please note that even with a reserved entrance you can expect crowds as thousands of people visit the museum collections and Sistine Chapel every day of the year.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: In the hotel meeting room an art historian presents The Art Treasures of the Vatican in preparation for the visit to the Vatican Museums where we will explore some of its treasures and view a portion of its immense art collection. Set out by coach to the closest drop off point for the Vatican Museums. Meet the local expert who leads the visit of part of the vast collection. The extraordinary works of art in the museum will amaze you, notable are the ancient Roman statues, and of course, Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will lead you out a back staircase which leads to the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica. Inside the basilica marvel at Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's bronze canopy over the main altar. At the conclusion of the visit, walk across the Piazza San Pietro to board the coach back to the hotel.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore a museum or a city neighborhood on your own. Suggestions are given on site.

Dinner: At a restaurant near the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy a stroll and perhaps a drink or gelato at a café near the hotel.

DAY

5

Piazza Walk, Borghese Gallery Art Treasures

Rome

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Hotel Diana

Activity note: Extensive walking (about a mile) in the heart of Rome's pedestrian only area from coach drop off point and between the area from Piazza Navona to the Pantheon. Stairs to reach second floor of the Gallery Borghese.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast, a local expert leads the walk in the heart of Rome to three landmarks: the Baroque Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, Roman temple built in 126 CE. The walk concludes at Piazza Navona, whose buildings are set on the seating of Domitian's stadium.

Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant just off the elegant Piazza Navona.

Afternoon: Coach to the Borghese Gallery, the private pleasure and reception palace of Cardinal Scipio Borghese, an avid art collector and patron of the young Bernini. Reserved entrance time. On display in the Gallery are important paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, Botticelli and Titian. The highlight of the collection are the emotionally charged sculptures by Bernini, a true evocation of the Baroque. Coach back to the hotel.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy the type of eatery that fits your budget and taste. The group leader will have suggestions where to go for small plates, or a full-course dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

6

Palazzo Massimo, Train to Florence, Neighborhood Walk

Florence

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Rivoli Boutique Hotel

Activity note: The Palazzo Massimo is situated right around the corner from the hotel. Few stairs to reach the entrance, elevators inside. Short walk (350 yards) from the hotel to the train station, comfortable ride on the train, short walk (300 yards) to the Florence hotel. The 1/4 mile orientation walk explores the neighborhood of the hotel and the Duomo.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Check out of hotel. Your bags will be delivered to the hotel in Florence. The hotel in Rome will safely store your carry on bags during the morning excursion. Short walk to Palazzo Massimo alle Terme to see a fine collection of ancient Roman art with spacious and light filled exhibition spaces. Notable is the seated bronze boxer and frescoes from Villa Livia, Augustus Caesar's wife's dining room. Walk to a restaurant in the neighborhood of the hotel.

Lunch: Enjoy a light lunch, fixed menu, plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Stop back at the hotel to pick up your carry-on bag. Walk to Termini, the train station. Travel on the train with just your carry-on bag. High speed train to Florence departs mid afternoon; the ride is about 1.5 hours. Short walk from the Florence train station to the hotel. Check in and settle in. Late afternoon neighborhood walk to orient you to the location of ATMs, pharmacies, stores and shops.

Dinner: Enjoy Tuscan dishes at Ristorante Benedicta, the fine restaurant in the lobby of the hotel. Fixed menu of Tuscan fare, plated table service. Water and a glass of wine are included.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the heart of Florence on your own.

DAY

7

Duomo, Medieval Florence, The Medici

Florence

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Rivoli Boutique Hotel

Activity note: The walk from the hotel to the Duomo is about half a mile.

Breakfast: This day and for the next four mornings, the breakfast buffet at the hotel offers juice and water, an egg dish, sliced cold cuts, assortment of cheeses, cereal, muesli, yogurt, fresh fruit, breads and pastries, jams, honey and butter, and a selection of hot and cold beverages.

Morning: Walk to the Duomo, the heart of Florence. Meet the local expert for the visit of Florence's cathedral and most famous landmark and another site of interest in the Duomo Museum complex. The museum has recently reopened after a major renovation and modernization.

Lunch: At a restaurant near the Duomo and mercato.

Afternoon: Some free time after lunch. Nearby is the Market of San Lorenzo, the downtown historical fresh fruit and meat market. Along the road, "bancarelle" vendor carts sell various Florentine specialties: leather, scarves, pottery and souvenirs. A late afternoon classroom session on Medieval Florence and the Medici family at the hotel's meeting room.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

8

Bargello, Renaissance Art, Accademia

Florence

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Rivoli Boutique Hotel

Activity note: The walk to the Bargello, about 3/4 mile, traverses the heart of Renaissance Florence. The walk from the Bargello to the Accademia museum is 6/10 of a mile.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Set out on foot for the National Museum of the Bargello where an art historian will give insight on Florentine Renaissance sculpture. Late morning presentation by an art historian provides an overview of medieval and Renaissance art in preparation for the visit to the Uffizi Gallery. The group leader will add on a brief information session to go over the logistics of moving about in Venice.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Set out on foot for the Accademia for an onsite lecture on Michelangelo's David, one of the most famous statues in the world. Admire the unfinished statues known as the “Prisoners” because they appear to be forcefully emerging from the marble. After the art historian concludes the explanations, feel free to remain in the Accademia to visit other exhibitions, such as early musical instruments, or the museum book shop.

Dinner: At a nearby restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Take the long walk back to the hotel along the Arno River.

DAY

9

Uffizi, Free Afternoon

Florence

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Rivoli Boutique Hotel

Activity note: Short walk to the Uffizi. A small elevator (cap. 3 persons) for disabled visitors may be accessible at the Uffizi Gallery. There is a long flight of stairs to reach the exhibition rooms of the gallery. Expect some crowding in the museum; it is a popular destination for art aficionados.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Set out on foot for the reserved entrance time for the Uffizi. The visit is self-guided and you are free to spend as much time as you wish. This is the most extensive collection of art, tracing the development from Gothic to medieval to Renaissance to Mannerist paintings in the world. You will find many recognizable masterpieces, including Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and the Primavera, some Titians, Michelangelo's Holy Family, and a few Caravaggios as well as Artemisia Gentileschi. There is a coffee bar at the end of the second corridor, on top of the Loggia, with a wonderful view of the watch tower and Duomo where you can get a refreshment and rest.

Lunch: Lunch on your own. Enjoy a light lunch in a cafe or restaurant in Piazza della Signoria or at the food court of the Mercato di San Lorenzo. Many vendors offer exclusive farm to table menu.

Afternoon: Free time to explore Florence at your own pace.

Dinner: At the hotel restaurant, a set menu. Water and wine are included.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy a stroll along the bank of the Arno River to the Ponte Vecchio.

DAY

10

Transfer to Venice

Venice

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Hotel Principe

Activity note: Walk from the hotel to the train station is 350 yards. High speed train to Venice. The walk from the Venice train station (Santa Lucia) to the hotel is about 400 yards.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Check out of the hotel, depositing your bags in the lobby. The group leader will supervise the loading of the bags onto a van headed directly to Venice. The bags will be transferred to a barge to be delivered to the hotel. Set out on foot for the Florence train station. High speed train to Venice departs mid morning, arriving just in time for lunch at the hotel. Short walk to the hotel.

Lunch: At the hotel restaurant.

Afternoon: Check into your room after lunch. Settle in and meet in the lobby around 4 pm. In the hotel meeting room, a local historian will share insights into Venice's Legacy. Set out with the group leader on a Neighborhood walk that will point out the location of ATMs, pharmacies, stores and vaporetto stops.

Dinner: At a restaurant near the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

11

St. Mark's Square, Ducal Palace

Venice

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Hotel Principe

Activity note: Ride the public vaporetto to St. Mark's Square. Walks in Venice involve crossing multiple bridges that span the canals. The visit through the many rooms of the Ducal Palace requires climbing a few flights of stairs. Narrow passages through the rooms of the Prisons and over the Bridge of Sighs.

Breakfast: This day and for the next four mornings, the breakfast buffet at the hotel offers juice and water, an egg dish, sliced cold cuts, assortment of cheeses, cereal, muesli, yogurt, fresh fruit, breads and pastries, jams, honey and butter, and a selection of hot and cold beverages.

Morning: Travel along Venice's famed Grand Canal on a vaporetto boat (Venice's public transportation system) to St. Mark's Square. Meet the local expert for the visit of the Ducal Palace, seat of civic and political power. Doges embellished the residential quarters and ceremonial chambers of the Great Council with lavish artwork, including murals by Tintoretto and Veronese. The visit concludes in the spacious courtrooms and the Prisons, connected by the Bridge of Sighs. Those convicted of crimes walked from the courtroom to prison across the infamous bridge, so called because of the prisoners reaction knowing it was their last glimpse of light and air.

Lunch: Sample some Venetian dishes at a trattoria. Fixed menu, plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free afternoon. Use the vaporetto pass to ride up and down the Grand Canal or explore the Lido. The pass issued to you is valid for unlimited rides on the major routes during your stay in Venice.

Dinner: At a restaurant near the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

12

Rialto, St. Mark's Basilica, Gondola Ride

Venice

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Hotel Principe

Activity note: Walks in Venice involve crossing multiple bridges that span the canals. Assistance offered getting in and out of the gondola.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Ride the vaporetto to the Rialto. Meet the local guide who leads the walk through the oldest part of Venice. The walk concludes at the market where you will have some free time to browse the carts selling fruits, vegetables and seafood.

Lunch: At a restaurant near the Rialto, sample a variety of Venetian dishes. Fixed menu, plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Short walk to San Marco for an expert-led visit of the cathedral. Built during the 13 C.,there are more than 45,000 sq. ft. of mosaics adorning the church, giving the impression of streets of gold. Experience the city from a different point of view as you enjoy a gondola ride along the canals of Venice. Some free time before your independent dinner.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy the type of eatery that fits your budget and taste. The group leader will have suggestions where to go for small plates, or a full-course dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

13

The Craft of Glass Working in Murano

Venice

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Hotel Principe

Activity note: Enjoyable boat ride to the island, minimal effort to walk around the streets of Murano. Low bridges to cross if you explore more of Murano or venture to Burano on your free time.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Vaporetto to the island of Murano, famous for the craft of glass making. Part of the city and about a mile off in the lagoon, Murano is a mix of low houses and glass making workshops. Some free time to stroll the narrow streets along the canals.

Lunch: On your own. There are various cafés and trattorias on the small island of Murano.

Afternoon: Free Afternoon. With your vaporetto pass you can easily take the boat from Murano to explore the island of Burano, whose leaning tower rivals that in Pisa. Here you can find Venetian lace and small shops where you can watch the crafters create their handiwork. Or, return to main cluster of islands that make up Venice by getting off the vaporetto at San Marco or the stop closest to the hotel.

Dinner: Recap your adventures and share your favorite memories with your fellow participants at our farewell dinner at the hotel. Fixed menu, plated table service. Wine is included with this meal to toast new friendships.

Evening: At leisure. Use your vaporetto pass for an evening ride down the Grand Canal when the boats are not as crowded and the light from the palazzi shine and create ripple effects on the water.

DAY

14

Program Concludes

In Flight

B

Activity note: Transfer by water taxi from the hotel's private dock. Your bags will be loaded onto and off the boat but at the airport dock there are some steps to reach the road. Under a covered path, the walk to the terminal (about 300 yards) flanks the parking lot. If you have trouble managing your luggage on the flat path you can use a baggage cart. Drop in a euro coin to release the trolley at the airport dock; it will be returned to you when you lock the trolley at the terminal's baggage cart stand.

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel; continental style for participants with early morning departures.

Meals

30 Meals

12 Breakfasts

9 Lunches

9 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Your hotel in Rome is centrally located near the Piazza della Repubblica, Rome’s Opera House and the Termini train station. The breakfast buffet is served on the top floor with views of the rooftops of Rome and the cupola of St. Peter’s.

The centrally located 4 star boutique hotel is an ex Franciscan convent from the 15th Century. The hotel has undergone a modern restoration that showcases the ancient frescoes, stone arches and vaulted ceilings.

Overlooking the Grand Canal, with a splendid terrace on the water, the Hotel Principe, is one of the 4 star hotels in Venice in a perfect position for discovering the charm and beauty of Venice on foot, or for easily reaching the Rialto or St. Mark's Square with a vaporetto, which stops just steps from the hotel.The hotel has a private dock on the Grand Canal for gondola and water taxi access.

This was an outstanding educational experience for me. I had great hopes for this trip, and yet it managed to far exceed my expectations. The two trip leaders are excellent educators, as well as very friendly and welcoming.

My wife and I were thrilled to finally see "The Best of Italy" after having it on our "bucket list" since we met. Every detail was well planned to maximize the art and history that we saw, and minimize the time waiting in lines or in crowds. The guides and lecturers were all very informative, and the activity level was just right.

I endorse this program. Four days each in three cities, providing the traveler with an overview of Italian architecture, art and history from ancient Rome through the renaissance. It was exactly what I wanted.

We are so grateful for our experiences in Italy, made possible by Road
Scholar. If we had gone on our own, we would have missed so much. This was a marvelous, anxiety-free experience that we will never forget. Ever.

I found this trip rewarding. I am glad I have chosen Road Scholar to fill my lifelong desire to see The Best of Italy. As a solo traveler & always felt welcomed by the group & tour guides.Thank you Road Scholar.

I am 77 years old, so the trip was "Moderately Challenging" for me, but totally rewarding. Erika and Marika were excellent tour guides, so knowledgeable, warm, and thoughtful. I met interesting people in the group, all of whom were well-traveled and happy to share their experiences. I learned a lot from them and, of course, from the well -presented experts' lectures and the tours they led through throughout the cities' museums and other interesting sites. I highly recommend this trip.

Having just returned from the Best of Italy: Rome, Florence, and Venice, I would strongly recommend this excellent program. The expert presenters were passionate about their topics and so well prepared us for our visits to museums, galleries, etc. I returned with a much deeper appreciation of art works and the gained some skills to better understand the art. The trip was all I expected and more!!

A good chance to get a taste of Italy all in one trip. Rome has so much to see - program needs more time there. Florence has many museums. And Venice was a treat. Lovely gondola ride on the Grand Canal. A great way to finish the program.
Altogether a great program. But be prepared with lots of energy. Non-stop activity, especially in Rome. Be sure to have comfy shoes and good legs for all those uneven streets and steep stairs. But it was all well worth it.!

"The Best of Italy: Rome, Florence, and Venice" is a top notch program which takes you into layers of history and art in these three cities in a well-organized, efficient and enjoyable way. This tour was a real pleasure. However, be prepared for lots of walking and standing in museums. Well-worth the wear on one's feet but also worth having good supportive shoes for the uneven cobblestones and hard floors. Actually, I can't say things superlative enough about this trip and our leaders, Erika and Marika.

An excellent overview of the three cities. We were able to do and see so much. Marco Ceccarani was the Perfect guide for this trip, unbelievably knowledgeable. I am very glad we decided to do this trip with Road Scholar and not on our own.

I cannot think of a better way to visit a country for the first time, than through the Road Scholar approach. Not only will one have an in-depth understanding of the art, culture, history and scenery,of a country, they will enjoy the entire experience at a comfortable pace. The staff and presenters (not to mention the food) were all first rate.

Highly recommended!! Marco & Alessio were the best and we absolutely enjoyed visiting some of our favorite sites and locations in Italy again. Great program and great educational value. Thank you again guys!!
-Dan K.

Our trip to Italy was everything I had hoped for. The pacing of the trip and the balance of programmed activities and free time were just right. The guides and lecturers were first-rate, the scholarly level was high. As a musician, I especially appreciated the new insight into the visual arts I gained on this trip.

This program was wonderful. My first ever tour with a group usually my husband and I travel alone, the information you get from the guide is so much more than you can get by going by yourself. Be ready for lots of walking and steps well worth it

Our first RS trip but hopefully, not our last. Extremely well organized and executed. Three great cities in 14 days is a lot to absorb, but I'm counting on the RS well written itinerary, my photos and notes to relive this fabulous tour for a long time to come!

Best Road Scholar trip I have ever been on. The trip was exceptionally well organized from the leaders, to the transportation to the various places, the guides were excellent and they were always on time, restaurants being able to handle our group in a timing way, and hotels treating us so kindly.

This was a wonderful program. We were very lucky to have had only 7 participants in our group. It was almost like being on a private tour. With such a small group we were lucky to all get along well and the group was very collegial as the program went on. The instructors were all top notch, very knowledgeable, and skilled in leading tours and educating the group. I would love to interact more with Elisabetta her knowledge, style, and skills made for a winning combination. Her college students are very lucky to have her as an instructor. My only complaint is that upon arrival in Rome we were informed transfers between cities would be by coach and not train as highlighted on the Road Scholar website. The trip between Rome and Florence was very long and the disappointment of the group was palpable. After being faced with 5 of 7 participants threatening to buy our own train tickets to Venice our group leader was able to make it happen for the entire group. The trip to Venice in coach class was speedy and fun with the mood of the group immeasurably improved. I would recommend you take this trip if you are at all interested in seeing the best of Rome, Florence, and Venice with top guides and instructors. I will cherish the memories of this trip for a long time to come.

The Best of Italy was just what I wanted: an introduction to three major cities. I was impressed daily with the professionalism of our guides and the organization of our activities. I was especially happy with the high quality of our local experts who prepared us for the day and often personally guided us to the historic sites. I am happy I was able to travel in the late autumn when the number of tourists was lighter than in summertime. I was at ease being a solo traveler. I can enturisastically recommend this tour!